By Bay Area Will and Trust Lawyer Gary Brainin If you’re not familiar with Marie Kondo, take some time this week to watch one of her videos on YouTube or check out her new Netflix series, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. It’s incredible to watch the relief and joy that people experience just by implementing […]

How Long Does It Take to Settle an Estate in Santa Clara County, California? One of the most common questions asked when it comes to settling an estate in Santa Clara County is, “How long is this going to take?” The answer to that question is, of course, going to vary depending upon several factors. […]

Losing a loved one is emotionally wrenching. And, unfortunately, being responsible for managing your loved one’s estate and final affairs can make an already terrible situation worse. Amidst all the stress and emotional turmoil, it can be difficult to remember all the important tasks you need to complete. To assist you in handling your job […]

By Silicon Valley Will and Trust Attorney Gary Brainin As people get into their senior years, it is natural to start thinking about the end of life. Those thoughts can bring about concern regarding the type of inheritance to leave to adult children and exactly how to carry out your wishes when passing down your […]

One of the hardest things an adult child must handle is the responsibility of overseeing their elderly parent’s care. Bay Area elder law attorneys find that this situation is only made harder when the child and parent live in different states. While arranging for transportation, healthcare, and day-to-day activities is challenging, matters are made even […]

Your time and energy are spent helping your child with special needs to get the most out of life. But have you ever considered what would happen to your child if you were to suddenly become incapacitated or pass away? Working with a Silicon Valley will and trust lawyer experienced in special needs law is an […]

Joint ownership in layman’s terms is synonymous with co-ownership. If a property is owned by more than one individual, it is referred to as being held in joint ownership. What is the Advantage of Joint Ownership as an Estate Planning Method? One of the major advantages of joint ownership of an asset is that it […]

Most parents expect their children to inherit their assets if they unexpectedly pass away. But what happens if the child is a minor when mom or dad dies? Because the minor is not a legal adult and cannot inherit assets, a Santa Clara County probate judge will need to appoint a legal guardian who will […]

One of the first questions that a senior is generally asked when they enter a hospital or long-term care facility is whether they have a living will in place that specifies their wishes for healthcare. If the senior does not have one but wants to make his or her wishes known, he or she will […]

Dementia is one of the most devastating conditions affecting seniors, resulting in an eventual loss of cognitive functions. While there is no cure for dementia or the two leading diseases that cause dementia, Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia, there are treatments that can slow the effects and help make life more manageable. In order for […]